From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter from LeBaron Detroit Company with design suggestions for the new Bentley, emphasizing speed over luxury.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\4\ scan0026 | |
| Date | 31th August 1934 | |
| LeBaron LEBARON DETROIT COMPANY 3100 MELDRUM AVENUE DETROIT August 31, 1934 Mr. W.A. Robotham Rolls-Royce Ltd. Derby, England Dear Mr. Robotham, Enclosed, some suggestions for the new Bentley. Although at first sight they may appear a little radical for the British trade, my reasoning is as follows. Just as Rolls is always associated with luxury, and is the aristocrat of passenger cars, so to my mind is Bentley always associated with speed, and is the premiere sport car of England. Therefore, it's major lines should express speed, more than any other factor. Although all cars today, regardless of price, are better looking than ever in the past, there is to my mind too much sameness in detail design. I therefore believe, that apart from general proportions, to express speed one should strive for outstanding details such as radiator treatment, hood louvers, sheet metal, window shapes, hardware, etcetera, etcetera. These should be developed to the last detail, with the idea of lending to the car as a whole, characteristics which make it outstanding. If these suggestions are acceptable, I shall be very happy to cover the subject in more detail. With kindest personal regards, Very truly yours, Hal. Holtom. Hal Holtom HH-ac | ||